Journey to Freedom: The Struggle

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 (NKJV)

Some of us face struggles due to inequities in our system and others are struggling with how to deal with the pain of the past and its consequences. What is the difference between the struggle that all Christians face and the struggle due to historical injustices? Should we respond to them in the same way?

Struggle is a part of life and a reality for all individuals, including Christians. The Master Himself declared that in this world we will have struggles. However is there a difference between struggles due to injustices and general life struggles?

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” – 1 Peter 4:12-16

No, there is no difference in the sense that all struggles are struggles and all individuals going through struggle are called to respond to them in the same way.

1. Make sure it is not due to your own doing – either violating the word of God or ignorance.
2. Rejoice, for you are partaking in the sufferings of Christ especially if you are innocent.
3. Overcome evil with good.
4. Allow God to use it to train you and shape your character.
5. Know that God will work it together for your good.

On the other hand, there is a slight difference with struggles due to injustice and those due to your own doing.

1. In the case of injustice, God will avenge you.
2. There will be consequences for those who caused the injustice.
3. Men of goodwill should stand for and with you to fight the injustice.

However, if the struggle is due to your own doing repent, and remember that God is using the struggle as a tool of pruning, not punishment, and will shape you to realize his ultimate call in your life. Also, remember just because you repent does not mean you will not face the consequences.

Reflect upon your struggles. Discern whether they were due to injustice or your own doing and consider the lessons you learned from them. personally played a role in it or not:

1. What major life struggles have you experienced that hindered your ability to realize God’s plan for your life?
2. Have these struggles been due to historical injustices or your own doing?
3. What lessons have you learned from them?
4. What will you do to stand for others who face struggles because of historical injustices?

As you reflect upon your life struggles, be careful not to use historical injustices as an excuse for all the troubles that you face. This will hinder your own growth. If you have not faced struggles due to historical injustices, do not assume that this is the case for everyone, but rather empathize and be willing to stand up for others who are currently facing it so that the will of God may be done in the life of all His children.

“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.” – Isaiah 1: 16-17